NBT organises Storytelling Session

In its relentless efforts to promote reading habit in the country especially among the children, National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL), a wing of National Book Trust, India organised an interactive storytelling session for school children with Prof. Anvita Abbi, author and Shri Atanu Roy, illustrator of the NBT book Jiro Mithe at its book shop in Nehru Bhawan, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Prof. Anvita Abbi told the children that the book Jiro Mithe is the first folktale from Andaman and Nicobar Islands that has ever been published. She added that it was narrated to her by the native tribal man five years ago. This folktale brings into light the belief why the people of Andaman do not kill birds and consider birds as their ancestors. Later, she retold the story of Jiro Mithe which rejoiced the children. Shri Atanu Roy explained to the children the basic elements required to make illustrations attractive and appealing to the readers. He also told children that the illustrations should synchronize with the story and a lot of research needs to be done before preparing illustrations a story.

Children accompanied with their teachers from different schools of Delhi and NCR particpated in the session. They also interacted with both the author and illustrator of the book and asked several questions related to the folktale. The session was coordinated by Shri Manas Ranjan Mahapatra, Editor (NCCL).

NCCL, a wing of National Book Trust, India was established in 1993 to promote, publish and aid children’s literature. It is involved in a large number of activities to promote children’s literature and reading habit across the country especially in remote areas. It organizes workshops, discussions, seminars and exhibitions for children and professionals in order to explore new avenues in children’s literature and creative skills in children.